Topic
Public Finance
5,915 speeches · 726 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 283 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 229 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 171 |
| 4 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 167 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 153 |
| 6 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 147 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 140 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 135 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 115 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 92 |
Speeches
5,915 on this topic- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad supported the anti-doping amendment but criticised delays in passing it, arguing that inefficiency had cost Sri Lanka opportunities to host international sporting events and gain foreign exchange. He called for greater investment in sports science, including a Sports University, accredited domestic anti-doping laboratory facilities, structured coach certification, and stronger use of biomechanics and analytical tools. He also urged that coaches be held accountable where athletes use banned substances on their advice, and said small stipends were insufficient to achieve future Olympic success. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sport (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the fuel subsidy has been discontinued, but other assistance schemes remain in place. He said many eligible persons had not received previous support due to incorrect bank account or address details, and invited them to resubmit accurate information to officials so the assistance can be provided. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Asked the Minister whether the fuel subsidy, which was reportedly provided only to some beneficiaries the previous month, has now been rectified and extended to all eligible persons. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar JJB AI summary Government banks have begun implementing a concessional loan scheme, with details available through state banks and the relevant ministry. Measures are being taken to provide financial assistance to those engaged in production, agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, and to strengthen related institutions. The concerns raised by the Member were noted, with an assurance that appropriate action would be taken. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa sought detailed information on the Government’s economic and debt management position one year into the IMF-supported programme. He requested figures and projections on foreign reserves, public debt, debt servicing, GDP growth assumptions, export earnings, remittances, and foreign direct investment, including quarterly or multi-year breakdowns where relevant. He also questioned the abolition of the SVAT scheme from 1 October and asked for the impact assessment and supporting data, citing exporters’ concerns. Premadasa framed the questions as necessary ahead of the forthcoming Budget and in the context of Sri Lanka’s recovery from bankruptcy. Standing Order 27(2) Questions - Leader of Opposition and Hon. Adaikkalanathan Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB AI summary The Minister tabled a written answer on the transfer and transport of mineral resources from the Northern Province, stating that local government bodies are involved only in issuing trade licences for quarries using stone crushers and granting road-use permission when local authority roads are used. He stated that approvals for mining and mineral transport are governed by the Mines and Minerals Act, under which minerals may be transported anywhere in Sri Lanka with the relevant statutory approval, without separate approval from Provincial Councils or local authorities. Oral Question: Transfer of Resources - Northern Province (Tabled Answer and Deferred Question) Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa addressed shortages of fistula needles in several hospitals, explaining that the contracted supplier failed to provide items meeting specifications, preventing central procurement by the Medical Supplies Division. He stated that funds had been released to hospitals for local purchases from the private market, with compliant supplies expected by 12 October. He said the Ministry is monitoring the issue daily, local purchase needs are declining, and any remaining shortages will be checked. Oral Question: Regional Ayurvedic Hospitals - Monaragala District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda asked whether the National Water Supply and Drainage Board could provide interim drinking water to affected areas while the longer-term project, expected to receive Budget funding in 2027, is implemented. He noted that completion could take a further three to four years and stressed that residents should not have to wait several more years for relief. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage - Galle District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister stated that the drinking water project for the coastal tourism belt from Aluthgama to Habaraduwa is planned to commence in 2027 and is included in the 2026 priority document. He said approvals are being pursued through the NWSDB Board and the National Procurement Agency, but the project could not be included in the 2026 Budget due to the time needed for NPA approval procedures. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage - Galle District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Chanaka Madugoda raised concerns about irregular water supply in Galle District, noting its impact on tourism, hoteliers, ten leading schools, and the general public. He asked whether the Government would provide a concrete solution through the upcoming Budget and sought a positive assurance from the Minister on future plans. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage - Galle District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary The Minister stated that water supply interruptions in the Galle District are due to inadequate production capacity, with only 74,270 cubic metres available daily for 146,600 active connections after 30 per cent non-revenue water losses. He said the NWSDB has approved a Rs. 37 billion, 30,000 cubic metres per day treatment plant from the Hapugala intake, now before the National Procurement Agency, with foreign financing discussions under way and commencement expected in 2027. He added that an earlier 50,000 cubic litre tank project was halted during the 2021–2023 economic crisis, and that the new treatment plant is expected to address needs in coastal, adjacent, and some inland areas of Galle. Oral Question: Drinking Water Shortage - Galle District Read →
- 7 October 2025 The Hon. Susil Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Susil Ranasinghe stated that the Land Reform Commission is facing significant arrears due to poor collection of lease rentals on LRC lands, citing past inefficiencies and lack of proper systems. He said non-paying lands and reasons for arrears have been identified, and a district-wise programme has been launched to regularize and expedite rental recovery to prevent a financial crisis in the LRC fund. Oral Questions: Irrigation Department Tanks and Land Reform Commission Lands - Kalutara District Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran asked the Minister of Health and Mass Media about deficiencies in staffing and facilities at Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals, including the absence of internship training for doctors and unfilled specialist vacancies. He questioned whether the Government acknowledged inequities in health services where patients must be referred to other district hospitals for basic examinations and consultations due to inadequate resources. He sought clarification on whether a policy decision would be taken to ensure adequate staff and physical resources for all district hospitals, including Mullaitivu and Mannar. Oral Question: Mullaitivu and Mannar General Hospitals - Staff and Physical Resources Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe said Sri Lanka’s tourism has remained concentrated on coastal areas, with limited expansion into inland locations such as Gomaran Kadawala near Trincomalee. He stated that the Ministry is preparing provincial-level tourism plans to be completed within the year, which will inform a 10-year national tourism plan, with resources and action plans to be implemented through forthcoming Budgets. Oral Question: Lands Belonging to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority - Trincomalee District (Q.1102/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that recycling and collection efforts require a whole-of-society approach rather than action by a single Ministry. He noted that private entities are already involved and said that, under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, inter-agency coordination is underway. He undertook to refer the proposal to the Advisory Committee and prepare an action plan. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 7 October 2025 Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Industry Ministry’s role is focused on production, while consumer protection and environmental regulation fall to the CAA and the Environment Ministry. He acknowledged weaknesses in enforcement and said the Government is tightening regulation of products, markets, manufacturers, and imports, noting concerns about the quality of some imported goods. He also outlined proposals to reduce packaging through alternative materials, selective bans, changes in consumer behaviour, and mechanisms for producers to bear recycling costs. Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti argued that greater independence in the public service and State enterprises has improved efficiency, reduced wastage and corruption, and increased profitability, rejecting claims that CIABOC is politicised. He cited COPE-related data showing several previously loss-making institutions recording profits or higher operating revenue in the first half of 2025, including Lanka Mineral Sands, Milco, the National Paper Company, and Airport and Aviation Services. He also referred to reforms in the gem and jewellery sector, including proposed institutional merger, public disclosure of licence details, and physical inspection procedures for import and re-export, and moved that the financial details be included in Hansard. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 The Hon. Dinesh Hemantha JJB AI summary Hon. Dinesh Hemantha discussed the Fourth COPE Report, highlighting alleged irregularities involving the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund and SLIIT, including the use of funds and agreements that enabled SLIIT to become a private institution without returning profits to the Fund. He argued that corruption, misuse of public funds, and abuse of public property should not be treated as partisan matters, and called on all 225 Members to support transparency and accountability. He said COPE, COPA and the Auditor General’s Department are helping build a new political culture of fiscal discipline, and urged both Government and Opposition to contribute to long-term solutions for the public. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni – Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni welcomed the Fourth COPE Report, stating that COPE’s role is to identify shortcomings and guide corrective action rather than directly punish officials. He said COPE’s observations would support reforms at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, particularly regarding the Waiver of Registration process, which he argued had been improperly bypassed in recent years, leading to substandard and harmful imports. He rejected claims of shortages of analgesics and other essential medicines at the Colombo National Hospital, stating that supplies and procurement mechanisms are in place while maintaining regulatory standards. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →
- 26 September 2025 Hon. Thilina Samarakoon JJB AI summary As a member of COPE, Hon. Thilina Samarakoon spoke on the tabling of COPE’s Fourth Report of the 10th Parliament under Standing Order 120 and said the Committee is pursuing institutional reform and accountability across 457 public institutions, with 14 already examined. He highlighted findings concerning the Land Reforms Commission, including alleged use of Rs. 350 million for an organic fertilizer project outside its legal mandate without proper feasibility work, and the sale of 25 acres at Hantana/Uragala Estate at a very low price before resale as residential plots. He said COPE is working with the Lands Ministry to improve land valuation, staffing, land inventories and project proposals, and would continue exposing misuse of public resources and recommending reforms. Adjournment Debate: Fourth Report of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Read →